Chilean President Gabriel Boric has demanded justice after violent clashes at a soccer stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, left Chilean citizens hospitalised and prompted a diplomatic response between the two South American nations.
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The international Copa Sudamericana match between Argentina’s Independiente and Chile’s Universidad de Chile was abruptly halted Wednesday night when widespread violence broke out in the stands at Estadio Libertadores de América, just outside Buenos Aires.
President Boric immediately deployed Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde to Argentina to assess the situation and meet with injured Chilean nationals, while condemning what he called “obvious irresponsibility in the organisation” of the event.
“What happened in Avellaneda between the fans of Independiente and Universidad de Chile is wrong in so many ways, from the violence in the stands to the obvious irresponsibility in the organisation,” Boric wrote on social media. “The justice system must determine who is responsible.”
Chilean Ambassador to Argentina José Antonio Viera-Gallo revealed the severity of the incident in a radio interview, confirming that at least 90 people were detained and at least one person required surgery after being stabbed. He did not specify how many of those affected were Chilean citizens.
Conmebol, South America’s soccer governing body, officially cancelled the round of 16 Copa Sudamericana match, citing a “lack of security guarantees.” The game was tied 1-1 when officials decided to end play.
Social media footage and local news broadcasts captured chaotic scenes of fans being chased and beaten, with some appearing to throw rocks as groups sought shelter across the stadium bleachers. The exact catalyst for the violence remains unclear.
Both clubs quickly pointed fingers at each other in the aftermath. Independiente President Néstor Grindetti denied his club’s involvement and blamed Universidad de Chile supporters, while Universidad de Chile President Michael Clark expressed surprise and sadness at the accusation, saying it was too early to determine what sparked the confrontations.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges with soccer violence in Argentina, despite the country’s efforts to tighten stadium security over the past two decades. Argentine authorities have implemented measures, including restricted access for visiting fans in domestic league matches, though Wednesday’s international fixture would not have fallen under the same regulations.
The timing is particularly sensitive as Argentina prepares for increased international scrutiny ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In May, the Argentine government shared a list of 15,000 banned individuals with U.S. officials ahead of a major soccer tournament and is expected to do the same before the World Cup.
The Copa Sudamericana is the second-tier continental competition for South American clubs, with the winner earning qualification for the prestigious Copa Libertadores and the right to compete for the title of South America’s best club team.
In his statement on Friday, Michael Clark said that there was “poor planning and execution of the match plans, as well as a clear absence of security guards and police.”
“Our players and staff were at risk due to a fan invasion of the field. Our bus was vandalised in a security and exclusion zone near the locker room, and some of the coaching staff were attacked.
“There were also problems outside the stadium. There were ambushes and chases. So to protect our fans and safely remove all the Chileans remaining in the stadium, including journalists who could be at risk, we hired additional vans and buses. Fortunately, everyone was able to leave the venue without any additional problems beyond those already experienced.
He further said that this situation was “unacceptable at a football match.” He mentioned that their fans who accompanied the team were also lynched.
“Many were victims of lynchings passively allowed by the organising club and the police, and others were detained in a completely unlawful manner and treated cruelly and inhumanely.
“It is unusual that, given the available images of explicit violence, more than 100 Chileans were arrested and no Argentines.
According to him, although their fans have been freed, they continue to be mistreated. He said that many of them cannot leave Argentina and are confined to buses, where they haven’t even been able to eat.
“We will continue to support all the fans in whatever they need to return to Chile and defend themselves against all the unlawful harassment they were subjected to,” he said.
“We will not rest until all those who have participated in any type of aggression, unlawful coercion, and torture against our compatriots are prosecuted, and until we can have all our fans back home.”
Featured image: Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images
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